Newsletter Century 21 The Year That Was 2010

Well, Christmas has crept up on us quickly again. I recall my father saying, when I was a child how time passes as you get older. I also recall thinking he was "losing his marbles" to say this. I now agree with what he said!!

So, looking at this past year we can't help but acknowledge it's been tough. This little piece of Paradise (Port Douglas) has suffered immensely due to the malaise of the G.F.C and the high $AUD.

Century 21 Port Douglas Real Estate embarked on mission in 2010, to get some positive exposure for Port Douglas. In our own small way, we set out to encourage more Australians to visit and experience just how beautiful this region of Far North Queensland is.

We started early in the year, with the team from Selling Houses Australia visiting and undertaking a makeover on a house in Mudlo Street, Port Douglas. The transformation of the residence was filmed and we all enjoyed a laugh with the host Andrew Winter, the bubbly interior designer Shanna Blaze- Vaughan and the hardworking landscaper Charlie Albone. The episode is due to go to air on the Lifestyle Channel in March 2011, and the finished house can be viewed online at www.realestateportdouglas.com.au/2319.

Another highlight was when we got to meet Olympian Gold Medalist, Mark Tonelli who came to showcase the Port Douglas Rainforest residence. The Sky News film crew and Mark enjoyed the inexplicable beauty and serenity at one of the most prestigious properties in the rainforest close to Port Douglas. Mark, his crew and I enjoyed some great wines - and probably a few too many - hence having to stay overnight. A big thanks to Allen and Christine for their first class hospitality. The show can be viewed online at www.realestnews.com/html/ep90_1.html

The triumph of our year was the campaign to bring Kochie and the Sunrise team from Channel 7 to our community. Our marketing guru, tweeted her way into convincing Sunrise to visit and their Executive Producer has confirmed they will be here in the first quarter of 2011 to film the region.We believe this Century 21 Port Douglas Real Estate coup will bring much needed tourism to Far North Queensland, and we wait with anticipation for the show dates.

Last but not least House Hunters International are due here on the 7th of January 2010. They will be filming buyers who have moved from other countries and are looking to purchase property and relocate to Port Douglas. This television show is aired internationally and we hope this too will generate and encourage stream of International visitors to our town.

On a more serious note, Port Douglas has experienced terrible depreciations on all types of real estate and in all price ranges.

The volatile mix of rising interest rates, decreasing affordability, economic uncertainty and a reluctance to invest, has caused a huge fall in property sales.

Our advice to vendors continues to be : HOLD IF YOU CAN AND WAIT FOR THE TURNAROUND

If you have to sell but can buy in the same market, often things balance out. However, if you are in a position where you must sell, unfortunately, you will experience a decrease of 20% to 40% in prices compared to those achieved 3 - 4 years ago.

Our advice to potential buyers:THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO BUY

On the positive side, although we are experiencing difficult times, keep in mind how fortunate we are to be in Australia and associated with an idyllic place such as Port Douglas.

In tough times, take care of your family and close friends, cherish the simple things in life and stay positive.

We wish you all a fabulous festive season and a healthy and improving 2011, and leave you with the image of me in my very own Santa outfit - which so far has made 5 appearances at the local Neighbourhood Centre in Port Douglas.

Subscribe to the Century 21 Port Douglas Newsletter

Stay informed with what is happening in Port Douglas. Subscribe now to Century 21 Port Douglas Newsletter. Simply fill in the form below and we'll keep you up to date.

Your Details

Name:

Email:

Back Issues

Double Rate Cut

Auction Action

Its a Deal, Its a Steal, Its Sale of the Century…well Sale of 2011 at least.

Australian Housing & Building Approvals Slow

The Big Issues for 2012

December Rate Cut Relief

ANZ Economic Update

Seasons Greetings From Century 21 Port Douglas Real Estate

More Rate Cuts In February According to NAB & WESTPAC

Housing Market Soft Prior To RBA Cut

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET SHOWS EARLY SIGNS OF RECOVERY AS HOME LOAN APPROVALS INCREASE OVER SEPTEMBER